It is thought that an “elephant spirit animal” introducing itself to you is a sign that you need to overcome an obstacle in your life. If you encounter elephants in your life, whether in pop culture, at a zoo, or in your dreams, pay attention. In China elephant symbolism means the ability to understand the difference between good and bad, as well as wisdom, nobility, and fertility.Įlephants are powerful, wise, and protective presences that can help you better understand the world around you on a deeper, more intellectual and spiritual level. The predominant “elephant symbol of” Japan is the depiction of the Buddhist deity Kangiten, or “Deva of Bliss” which is depicted as a woman and a man with elephant heads locked in an embrace. Accounts of African mythology hold that elephants are reincarnations of deceased tribal chiefs, and as such elephants are respected and properly buried when they die. In Africa, elephants symbolize royalty, sovereignty, tribal wisdom, and victory.

The Hindu God, Ganesh, is depicted as a six armed being with an elephant head and is known as the lord of new beginnings as well as the remover of obstacles. In India, an elephant is a symbol of royalty, divinity, and vitality, as well an auspicious agrarian symbol for rainfall. Honoring the elephant in meditation or waking life can help you to access your inner wisdom, own your power, and overcome obstacles with a steady force of strength that you possibly didn’t even realize you had. Other cultures see it as an earthly animal, but one with a connection to divinity and ancient knowledge. Some Asian cultures believe that the elephant is a cosmic creature that, much like the turtle in Native American lore, carries the world on its back. All across the world, the elephant has long been considered a sacred animal, although the spiritual symbolism of elephants changes slightly from culture to culture. These gigantic majestic beings are traditionally considered symbols of good luck, nobility, wisdom, fertility, and protection.

Elephant with headdress outline